BA: Michael Fulmer #13 and Domingo Tapia #18 in the SAL

Baseball America is back with their South Atlantic League Top 20 Prospects list, slotting RHP Michael Fulmer at #13 and RHP Domingo Tapia at #18.

Obviously, no RHP Rafael Montero, RHP Jacob deGrom or 3B Aderlin Rodriguez. Montero, I suspect will be on the Florida State League list, but I confess I am still fuzzy on BA's eligibility requirements by league.

On Fulmer:

"He improved in every phase of the game this year," Savannah manager Luis Rojas said. "His command got better, his secondary pitches got better and his sequences got better. He's a smart kid with tools."

Fulmer sit 93-95 and can touch 96 or 97 on a given night. His slider got much better, and he's just 19. He's definitely among the Mets' better prospects.

On Tapia:

Tapia had as much pure arm strength as anyone in the league. He repeatedly throws his fastball at 95-98 mph, working both sides of the plate and occasionally featuring good sink. Tapia worked diligently to improve the quality of his curveball and changeup, having more success with the latter.

I saw a lot of Tapia. By the second half of the season, he had almost stopped throwing his cuveball/slider in games. However, he had introduced a four-seamer to get in on lefties and stay away from righties. It too was nasty. I'm not sure four-seam and sinking two-seamer and changeup with sink (at 88-91) are enough to start. However, there were scouts who thought that his fastaball changeup combo were nearly enough to pitch in a big league bullpen almost immediately.

The Mets were considering Kinsler but will now turn to other options likeJason Kipnis, Josh Harrison, and Cesar Hernandez in their search for a second baseman, but Starlin Castro is "not in the mix," reports Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.

That might not sound like much for a player keen on getting back to the workaday duties of his craft after left shoulder surgery. Or for the fan base that knows how desperately the Mets need Conforto next season. But it'll have to do for now, or at least until Conforto sees his surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, next week in Los Angeles...

Why the Mets think Anthony Swarzak might be on the upswing

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Mets sign Anthony Swarzak00:04:28

The Mets Hot Stove panel breaks down the Mets' recent acquisition, Anthony Swarzak, and discuss how he drastically improves their bullpen.

Andy Martino, SNY.tv | Twitter | Sandy Alderson speaks often about the volatility of relief pitchers, and he's right -- even for professional evaluators, it's hard to tell from one year to the next how any reliever will perform.

After stumbling earlier in his tenure as Mets GM by offering multi-year deals to duds like D.J. Carrasco and Frank Francisco, Alderson later took to acquiring bullpen help via August trades. This was a clever way to catch the proverbial lightning on a bottle, and brought the team Addison Reed and Fernando Salas (the fact that Salas was ineffective the following year further underscored the point about volatility).

The team's agreement on Wednesday, pending a physical, with reliever Anthony Swarzakto a two-year, $14 million deal presents an interesting attempt to find a reliever on an upswing. Swarzak, 32, has had good years and so-so years, but a deeper look at his pitching style suggests that he could be trending in the right direction...

Alderson: Mets will target area other than bullpen for next acquisition

4:57PM

The Mets will "probably" be looking to next fill needs elsewhere on the roster after reportedly coming to terms with RH reliever Anthony Swarzak on a two-year deal worth $14 million, Mets GM Sandy Alderson said Wednesday at the Winter Meetings.

Alderson didn't rule out acquiring another reliever later in the offseason, but said he expected the team's focus to now shift to filling the other needs -- second base and first base/outfield.

The Mets were linked to free agent 3B/1B Todd Frazier earlier on Wednesday. Alderson said earlier this week that he expects Asdrubal Cabrera to play primarily third base this season, but seemed open to the possibility of that changing.

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Mets have been 'curious' about free agent 3B Todd Frazier

2:55PM

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Oct 16, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Todd Frazier (29) hits a three run home run during the second inning aHouston Astros during game three of the 2017 ALCS playoff baseball series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports ( Adam Hunger)

Sherman adds that the Mets may even be aggressive in trying to sign the 31-year-old who split time with the White Sox and Yankees last season, noting that Frazier could allow Asdrubal Cabrera to move around the infield, and also provide insurance to 1B Dominic Smith.

"It's possible but it's not a scenario right now that I foresee," Alderson said Wednesday about acquiring a player whose presence would mean Cabrera doesn't play third base regularly. "It could change. ... we're trying to be flexible -- responding to opportunities. ... we're trying to be flexible and open-minded about it."

Conforto hopes to swing soon, but still may miss Opening Day

By Matthew Cerrone | 1:44PM

Mets outfielder Michael Conforto held a Q&A with fans on Monday and stated that he still has no timeline for his injured left shoulder.

Mets OF Michael Conforto will meet with doctors within two weeks, after which he hopes to be told he can start swinging a bat, he told reporters at the team's annual Coat Drive earlier this week.

It was reported in November that Conforto's recovery was progressing well and was expected to start swinging a bat by late January.

Conforto dislocated his shoulder toward the end of last season, after which he had surgery to repair the posterior capsule. The initial diagnoses was that it would require at least a six-month recovery.

In either case, Mets GM Sandy Alderson said Tuesday he does not expect Conforto to be ready for Opening Day, despite remaining on track during his rehab.

Ozuna, 27, hit .312/.376/.548 with 37 HR and 124 RBI in 159 games for the Marlins in 2017.

The Marlins, who are dramatically cutting payroll under their new ownership group which is led by Derek Jeter, traded OF and 2017 MVP Giancarlo Stanton to the Yankees over the weekend in exchange for Starlin Castro, minor leaguers Jorge Guzman and Jose Devers, and cash considerations.

The 32-year-old Swarzak, who almost exclusively features a fastball and slider, saw his stuff tick up in 2017. His fastball averaged 94.7 MPH (up from 93.4 in 2016 and 92.2 in 2015) and his slider averaged 87.1 MPH -- both the fastest of his careeer.

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Winter Meetings 360: Day 3

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12:25PM

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Winter Meetings 360 Day 300:15:51

Andy Martino and Steve Gelbs discuss the latest news from the last day of the Winter Meetings and share their thoughts on the Swarzak move.

Andy Martino and Steve Gelbs discuss the latest news from the last day of the Winter Meetings and share their thoughts on the Anthony Swarzak move.

Are the Mets trying to get Shane Greene in same deal for Ian Kinsler?

I wonder if the Mets are trying to get reliever Shane Greene with 2B Ian Kinsler from the Tigers?

According to MLB.com's Jason Beck, the Tigers are close to trading Kinsler after reportedly holding substantive trade talks the last two weeks with at least the Mets and Angels.

Kinsler has the Mets and nine other teams on his no-trade list, but that's not seen as a deal-breaker if the Tigers agree to send Kinsler to the Mets, reports SNY contributor Andy Martino.

I wrote Tuesday night that the Mets were on the same page with the Tigers when it came to swapping players, but that the two sides were still not in agreement about how to deal with Kinsler's $11 million salary. The next day, Detroit's GM said he has exchanging names with teams interested in Kinsler, but they had yet to reach an agreement...

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Reds could trade Billy Hamilton before the end of the week

10:15AM

The Reds are seeing enough interest in center fielder Billy Hamilton that it's possible he could be traded before the end of this week's Winter Meetings, the Cincinnati Enquirer's Zach Buchanan reported Tuesday afternoon.

The Reds have been conducting trade talks for Hamilton since last week, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, who felt the Mets, Giants, Rangers, and Mariners would be interested in him.

"The Reds don't have to move him, though," Rosenthal added. "They can see what happens in the first half and them move him at the deadline when he'll still be available for two pennant races."

In either case, be it this winter or next summer, Rosenthal believes the Reds will move Hamilton the as soon as they are presented with an acceptable deal.

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In case you missed it from the Winter Meetings on Tuesday

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7:52AM

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Alderson on the Mets' bullpen00:06:23

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson discusses how the front office plans to address the team's bullpen this offseason.

The MLB Winter Meetings are underway in Orlando, where agents and team executives are meeting and discussing signings and trades.

Here's what you need to know from yesterday's news and rumors from Orlando...

Meet the MetsCast talks Kinsler, bullpens, Moustakas or Walker

Dec 12 | 10:29PM

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In tonight's SNY's Meet the MetsCast, Matthew Cerrone and Rob Brender recap Day 2 of the MLB Winter Meetings by discussing whether to acquire Ian Kinsler, how to improve the bullpen on a strict budget, and whether it's better to sign Mike Moustakas or Neil Walker...

The Mets should trade Steven Matz and more for Manny Machado

By Andy Martino | Dec 12 | 4:45PM

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Aug 18, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) connects on a grand slam home run in the bottom of the 9th inning to win the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports (Mitch Stringer)

Andy Martino, SNY.tv | Twitter | Orlando, Fla. -- It's Tuesday of the winter meetings. The Metsies are quiet. So allow me a few hundred words of speculation about an idea that is likely fictional, but shouldn't be:

The Mets should trade for Manny Machado. With one move, they could excite their fans, grab the back page back from the Yankees, and try to extend their window to win with one of the best players in baseball.

Money is not an issue here. Machado will make about $17 million next year, roughly what the Mets paid Neil Walker in 2017. Sandy Alderson has said many times that there is no such thing as a bad one-year deal...

Sandy Alderson suggests Mets won't trade Matt Harvey

The Mets have reportedly discussed Harvey with the Rangers and Orioles

New York Mets' Matt Harvey (33) delivers a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Friday, April 21, 2017, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) (Frank Franklin II/AP)

Mets GM Sandy Alderson suggested on Tuesday that the team will not be trading RHP Matt Harvey, who has been the subject of rumors at the Winter Meetings.

"All I'm weighing right now are the opinions of (manager) Mickey Callaway and (pitching coach) Dave Eiland," Alderson said. "And they don't want to lose him."

Mickey Callaway says Mets may not have designated closer in 2018

The focus will be on matchups

Jim Duquette shares some updates on how the market for relief pitchers is shaping out, and discusses how the Mets plan to use their bullpen.

Mets manager Mickey Callaway suggested on Tuesday that the team might not have a designated closer in 2018 -- instead focusing on matchups and reacting when high-leverage situations arise.

"I think that we're going to pitch guys when it makes sense," Callaway said at the Winter Meetings in response to a question about Jeurys Familia. "I'm going to pitch guys to their strengths and they're going to face the batters they should be facing."

Callaway said it could work out that Familia is in place to save every game, but that they're not "locked in" to that...

Callaway has reached out to Napoli about potential of joining Mets

Dec 12 | 1:55PM

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Sep 10, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Mike Napoli (5) in action during the game against the New York Yankees at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Yankees defeat the Rangers 16-7. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports (Jerome Miron)

Report: Orioles looking to trade Machado, who wants to play SS

Dec 12 | 11:25AM

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Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) looks on during an interleague baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Wednesday, May 10, 2017, in Washington. The Nationals won 7-6. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) (Nick Wass/AP)

The Orioles are shopping 3B Manny Machado, and are seeking two young, controllable starting pitchers in return, reports Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. However, Machado -- who is set for free agency after the 2018 season -- wants to return to shortstop this season, notes Rosenthal.

The Mets, Phillies, Braves, Giants, and Angels could make up part of the market for Machado, with the Yankees potentially on the periphery, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe noted in September. But with Machado now seeking to play shortstop, it's fair to believe his list of potential suitors could be different.

Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter | Earlier this offseason, while tossing around outside the box Mets ideas with colleagues, one I suggested was 'trade Jacob deGrom for Manny Machado and sign one of the higher-end free agent starting pitchers to replace him.'

SNY's Meet the MetsCast recaps Day 1 from the MLB Winter Meetings

Dec 11 | 10:13PM

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In tonight's MLB Winter Meetings edition of SNY's Meet the MetsCast, Matthew Cerrone, Steve Hofstetter and Rob Brender discuss Sandy Alderson's comments and apparent approach to spending, roster building and getting back to the postseason in 2018...

Teams intrigued by Mets' willingness to swap Matt Harvey for reliever

Mets GM Sandy Alderson weighed in on Monday on the idea of trading Harvey

Dec 11 | 9:38PM

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New York Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey (33) throws in the first inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Friday, Sept. 29, 2017, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Laurence Kesterson) (Laurence Kesterson/AP)

As Yankees introduce Stanton, tough challenges ahead for Mets

By Andy Martino | Dec 11 | 3:20PM

Orlando, Fla. -- It was at this very property, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, where the Mets introduced Curtis Granderson four years ago. This was a seminal moment for the Sandy Alderson era, a signal that the rebuild was winding down, and the team was ready to be relevant again.

The giddiness was so pervasive that day that Granderson even slipped out of character for a moment and offered a usable quote: "A lot of the people that I have met in New York have always said that true New Yorkers are Mets fans," he said, to considerable surprise among reporters accustomed to his bland avoidance of most questions.

Two playoff appearances, one National League pennant, and a 92-loss season later, the Mets are in a different phase of their cycle. In the same room where Granderson once donned the blue and orange, the Yankees introduced Giancarlo Stanton, baseball's most charismatic star, and the Mets … well, the Mets were trying to decide if they wanted to trade for Ian Kinsler, or maybe sign Bryan Shaw. This is a tough contrast -- or bad optics, as they say in the PR business...

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Did Alderson really mean what he said Sunday in Orlando?

Sandy Alderson spoke Sunday in Orlando and said the Mets are unwilling to pay top dollar for a relief pitcher; acquiring a starting pitcher is fourth on their list of three priorities; and he is not likely to acquire a first baseman who would block Dominic Smith.

Similarly, while the Mets have reportedly expressed interest in trading for second basemen Josh Harrison (Pirates) and Ian Kinsler (Tigers), two New York beat reporters said Sunday they are skeptical the Mets have enough talent or financial flexibility to match up for either player in trade.

Is Alderson serious, or is he saying these things as a negotiating tactic?

I suppose anything is possible. I mean, like most GMs, Alderson does have a history of saying one thing to reporters then doing something entirely different...

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Winter Meetings 360: Day 1

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Dec 11 | 1:40PM

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Winter Meetings 360 Day 100:15:22

Steve Gelbs and Andy Martino discuss the Yanks' trade for Giancarlo Stanton and answer questions about the Mets' ventures this offseason.

Steve Gelbs and Andy Martino discuss the Yanks' trade for Giancarlo Stanton and answer questions about the Mets' ventures this offseason.

In Case You Missed It from the Winter Meetings on Sunday

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Dec 11 | 9:00AM

The MLB Winter Meetings officially begin today in Orlando. The conference provides the opportunity for hundreds of team executives and dozens of player agents to meet and discuss potential offseason signings and trades.

The three-day event is covered by countless local and national media outlets and runs non-stop through Thursday morning, when MLB holds its annual Rule 5 Draft.

Sandy Alderson addressed New York reporters upon arriving at the Meetings on Sunday...

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Alderson believes Cabrera 'zeroed in' on third base role

Dec 10 | 6:44PM

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Mets Hot Stove: Gelbs & Martino00:04:08

Steve Gelbs and Andy Martino report from the Winter Meetings and discuss the Mets' options at second base and in the bullpen.

Mets GM Sandy Alderson said he believes infielder Asrubal Cabrera will likely spend most of the 2018 season at third base despite his versatility to play each infield position.

The Mets had eight different players spend time at third base, with Cabrera logging the second-most innings to Wilmer Flores. But while Cabrera has spent most of his MLB career at shortstop and has played a significant amount of time at second base, Alderson said he thinks Cabrera would likely be New York's third baseman.

"I think his versatility gives us the option [to sign a free-agent third baseman], but at the same time, we've kind of zeroed him in at third base and we don't want to move him around, so while he gives us some flexibility, I'm not sure we want to exercise it," Alderson said at the MLB Winter Meetings on Sunday.

Alderson intimates Mets won't acquire a starting pitcher

Dec 10 | 5:54PM

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Mets Winter Meetings Preview00:04:08

The Mets Hot Stove crew breaks down which players the Mets should prioritize at the Winter Meetings in Florida this week.

Mets GM Sandy Alderson said starting pitching is not one of New York's major priorities heading into the MLB Winter Meetings despite the fact their rotation had the 27th-ranked ERA as a team last year.

"I'd say that, as it stands right now, [starting pitching] would probably be fourth on a list of three," Alderson told reporters on Sunday, indicating the team is instead focusing on bolstering the bullpen, adding a bat to the lineup and solidifying its situation at first base and in the outfield.

Mets starters went 49-64 last season with a 5.14 ERA, which was the second-worst among all National League teams. They combined to throw the fourth-fewest innings among all 30 teams.

Dec 10 | 5:23PM

Despite saying he felt first baseman Dominic Smith did not play well enough in his brief MLB stint last season to already earn the starting job in 2018, Mets GM Sandy Alderson said he and the franchise remain optimistic in Smith's potential moving forward.

Speaking at the MLB Winter Meetings on Sunday, Alderson said the team, which has reportedly considered making a run at several free-agent first basemen, including Eric Hosmer and Carlos Santana, likely wouldn't make a move that would take Smith out of the equation for next season

"I wouldn't expect us to do something that totally eliminates Dominic as a possibility," Alderson said. "We're still very high on Dominic, some of my comments earlier in the offseason notwithstanding."

Mets will reportedly talk to Marlins about Starlin Castro

Dec 9 | 1:46PM

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Oct 18, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Starlin Castro (14) hits a double during the second inning against the Houston Astros in game five of the 2017 ALCS playoff baseball series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports ( Adam Hunger)

Bryan Shaw might be waiting for other closers to sign first

Nov 25 | 2:05PM

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Bryan Shaw (Adam Hunger)

Relief pitcher Bryan Shaw, who reportedly received a multi-year offer from the Mets in November, might be waiting for other closers such as Greg Holland and Wade Davis to sign contracts before he commits to any deals, reports Mike Puma of the New York Post.

The Mets may explore a possible trade with the Pirates to acquire IF/OF Josh Harrison, reports Marc Carig of Newsday.

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Syndergaard admits his offseason training has changed after injury

Dec 8 | 7:15PM

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Syndergaard on offseason mindset00:02:12

Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard discusses the importance of coming back to pitch last season and breaks down his offseason training.

Mets starter Noah Syndergaard sat down with SNY's Steve Gelbs to discuss how his offseason training regimen is much different from last season.

Syndergaard totaled just 30.1 innings last season as a lat injury forced him out of the rotation for a majority of the year. After intense rehabbing to repair his lat, the 25-year-old tested his arm at the very end of the season, pitching in three innings over two starts. He didn't have to come back, but Syndergaard wanted to see if all his training paid off.

"It was good for me to get out there, for two different aspects," Syndergaard said. "The fact that I could go into the offseason healthy and not have to worry about rehabbing and because i've spent four months rehabbing and trying to get healthy and improve my body from where it previously was. So I feel like it was nice to go out there and see how my hard work paid off."

This isn't just a Mets question, but an MLB question. Other than the quixotic Shohei Ohtani and Giancarlo Stanton situations -- Ohtani chose the Angels on Friday, and the Marlins are still working overtime to find a suitor acceptable to Stanton, who has a full no-trade clause -- the early part of the winter has been light on Hot Stove action.

If allowed, Noah Syndergaard would also choose to play right field

Dec 8 | 12:05PM

Noah Syndergaard breaks down his goals for the 2018 season and talks about building a relationship with the Mets' new coaching staff.

Mets RHP Noah Syndergaard said he is excited to see Japanese two-way free agent Shohei Ohtani come to the MLB and set a precedent for an elite starting pitcher to also be a position player.

If given the chance to be a position player, Syndergaard said he would prefer to play right field.

"I would love to show off the arm," Syndergaard told WOR 710 AM's Pete MacCarthy during Thursday's team holiday party. "I'd like to think I'm more athletic than some or most right fielders. And I feel like if I put as much work in to hitting as I do pitching that I would be alright."

What happened to Gordon? Why won't Stanton come to the Mets?

The Marlins traded 2B Dee Gordon, the full $37 million remaining in his contract and $1 million in international bonus pool money to the Mariners for prospects Nick Neidert, Christopher Torres and Robert Dugger.

Meanwhile, according to two reports, the Yankees -- and not the Mets -- are on Giancarlo Stanton's list of four teams he would be prefer to be traded to instead of the Giants and Cardinals.

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Should Mets consider trading for Evan Longoria?

As the Mets try to fill gaping infield holes from a free agent class that is mediocre at best, the team is looking to the trade market to try to piece together an outside-the-box solution for a challenging offseason. Evan Longoria may be on the trading block, and if he is, the Mets will likely check in about what the Rays are looking for.

Longoria is not the player he was when he peaked in his mid-20s, when he was one of the best third basemen in the game, but he has shown the ability to stay healthy despite his age. Since 2013, he has played at least 156 games every season and has the most games played of anyone in baseball in that span. For a team constantly struggling to keep players on the field, his durability would bring enormous value.

Any acquiring team will be concerned about Longoria's skill level, though. After a resurgent 2016 campaign where he racked up 36 home runs and an .840 OPS, his best since 2013, he hit just league average in 2017, with a paltry .313 on base percentage that was the lowest of his career. The good news is that his strikeout rate was a very impressive 16 percent, well below league average, and his walk rate, while not at the elite level it once was, was on a par with recent years...

Teammates have faith Matt Harvey can bounce back in 2018

Anthony McCarron, SNY.tv | Twitter | No one could possibly know what Matt Harvey will bring to the Mets next season, certainly not with spring training still two months away and so much doubt lingering over the pitcher once known as the Dark Knight of Gotham.

Still, several teammates expressed hope Thursday that Harvey can rebound from the wreckage of two injury-ravaged seasons, including the worst one of his career in 2017.

"I'm rooting for him, always pushing for him," Noah Syndergaard said Thursday at the Mets' annual holiday party for kids. "A healthy Matt Harvey is pretty dangerous, so hopefully he can come back to (2013). I'm looking forward to seeing how 2018 pans out for all of us."